Interview invitations are starting to come in, but you are still working at your summer job…what do you do? Navigating asks for time off from your current job to interview for a future job can be tricky. Follow the tips below and do not hesitate to reach out to the Career Center if you have any questions regarding how to approach your ask or want to brainstorm.
Schedule Your Interview at the Best Possible Time
When scheduling an interview, be mindful of timing. Try not to miss important meetings or presentations. For virtual interviews, consider scheduling these on the margins of the day or over lunch. This may help to minimize the disruption to your work day. For in person interviews, consider scheduling on Mondays or Fridays so that you can travel on weekend days and spend the least amount of time away from your current position. If possible, you may also want to stack out of town interviews together to cut down on travel time.
Let Your Contact Know in Advance & Offer to Make Up Time
Make your request for time off to the administrator or program coordinator as soon as possible. Carefully consider how you will make the ask. It is a good gesture to offer to make up the time or forego pay for those days (if your internship is paid). You may decide that it is sensible to simply be generic: “I have a personal commitment on July 26 that I cannot reschedule, would it be possible to take the day off? I would be happy to extend my summer term to cover this time.”
In addition to informing a program coordinator, let the attorneys with whom you are working know when you will be away from the office. If there is an administrative professional or receptionist at your office, let them know as well – that way if someone is looking for you, they will know you are out. If you will be out of the office for an entire day, consider putting an out of office notice on your email or instant message profile.
Minimize Your Absence
In the event of an interview that takes place during the work day, be prepared beforehand to minimize your absence. Don’t plan to return home to change clothes or grab documents before your interview – have those things with you at work. When you finish an interview, be prepared to return to work right away. This may mean that you forgo a full lunch and eat a protein bar, for example. Get back to your job as soon as possible.
Do Good Work
Your time with your current employer is relatively brief and, thus, make every interaction matter. Ensure you are producing high-quality work and showing dedication to your job while you are there – this will ease the impact of any time you need to take off for interviewing.